Japan? category ?

The main hall of Sanjusangendo was built in 1164. It was later destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1266 and remains as it is today. Inside the hall, there are 1,000 Thousand-Armed Kannon (Sahasrabhuja) statues lined up. The main hall and the group of Buddhist statues are all designated as national treasures.

Kawai-jinja Shrine is located within the grounds of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. A beautiful goddess is enshrined here, and it is said that those who pray there will become beautiful. You can draw a face on a hand-mirror-shaped votive plaque and offer it as an offering.

Zuikoji Temple was founded in 1655. The main hall has a thatched roof. The main image of the temple is a statue of Sakyamuni enshrined inside the hall. A white dragon is enshrined near the entrance to the temple grounds. It is said that washing money here will bring you good fortune.

Jonangu Shrine was built in 794 when the city of Kyoto was founded. Shrine maiden dances are performed regularly. I went there in March, and the shrine maidens were wearing plum blossoms in their crowns and dancing while holding branches. After the shrine maiden dance, worshippers were given amulets.

It is one of the oldest shrines in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. The shrine's character, "Kanau-san," is the spirit of the Kurogane Mochi. This name means wishes come true. It has red berries on its head. The sacred tree, Kurogane Mochi (Kurogane holly), contains the word for rich in Japanese.

Ichihime-Jinjya Shrine was founded in 795. This shrine is believed to be the guardian deity of women, and many people come to pray there. There were some charms that seemed to be inspired by princesses from the past. This one had a fortune slip inside. After reading it, I wrote down my wish and offered it to the shrine.

Nanzoin Temple was founded in 1348. It is famous for its Ksitigarbha bound with rope. I tied the Ksitigarbha statue with a rope while praying for my wish. The rope is provided at the temple. Each rope cost 100 yen. There is a ceremony on New Year's Eve where this rope is untied.

Tokyo is a city with few old wooden buildings, having suffered major earthquakes and fires during wars. However, Gokokuji Temple still has a huge main hall built in 1697. Normally, you can enter between 9:00 and 11:50 and between 13:00 and 16:00. There are many Buddha statues enshrined inside the hall.

Zojoji Temple was founded in 1393 and is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. It is the family temple of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the graves of six Shoguns can be found within the temple grounds. The main hall is one of the largest in Tokyo. Tokyo Tower stands in the background.

Koyasan is a sacred place of esoteric Buddhism founded by Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago. The most important sites on Koyasan are Danjo-Garan and Okunoin (Mausoleum). Kongobuji Temple also has many attractions. For other sites, we recommend that you decide your destination based on your interests and time.